Expectations for BYU football defense in 2026 under Kelly Poppinga | Jakub Urbaniak signs
As BYU football opens fall camp this week, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the expectations for first-year defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga.
With Jay Hill now at Michigan, "K-Pop" inherits a defense that ranked sixth nationally in returning production and helped BYU go 23-4 over the past two seasons. Poppinga discussed the influence of learning the defense under Hill and the experiences that have prepared him for this moment — 18 years of coaching that trace all the way back to a defensive internship under Bronco Mendenhall. Mitch dives into what that means for BYU in 2026, how much continuity BYU fans should expect, and where Poppinga plans to add his own flavor with a talented and deep roster on that side of the ball.
On the offensive side of the ball, Mitch dives into the wide receivers with Fesi Sitake.
Also on today's episode, Mitch discusses BYU basketball officially announcing the signing of 6-foot-9 Polish center Jakub Urbaniak. The 23-year-old big man averaged 8.9 points and 5.7 rebounds across the EuroCup and PLK last season for Slask Wroclaw and brings FIBA national team experience with Poland. Head coach Kevin Young called Urbaniak a versatile player on both ends of the floor, praising his motor and competitiveness. With BYU still carrying two open roster spots, Mitch explores what Urbaniak's signing means for the Cougars' frontcourt and what Kevin Young may still have in the works before the 2026-27 season tips off.
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